The Varieties of Religious Experience - Penn State University

The Varieties of Religious Experienceence the following sample from Professor Starbuck’s manuscriptcollection may serve to give an idea. It is from a man aged fortynine—probablythousands of unpretending Christians would writean almost identical account.“God is more real to me than any thought or thing or person. Ifeel his presence positively, and the more as I live in closer harmonywith his laws as written in my body and mind. I feel him in thesunshine or rain; and awe mingled with a delicious restfulness mostnearly describes my feelings. I talk to him as to a companion inprayer and praise, and our communion is delightful. He answersme again and again, often in words so clearly spoken that it seemsmy outer ear must have carried the tone, but generally in strongmental impressions. Usually a text of Scripture, unfolding some newview of him and his love for me, and care for my safety. I could givehundreds of instances, in school matters, social problems, financialdifficulties, etc. That he is mine and I am his never leaves me, it isan abiding joy. Without it life would be a blank, a desert, a shoreless,trackless waste.”I subjoin some more examples from writers of different ages andsexes. They are also from Professor Starbuck’s collection, and theirnumber might be greatly multiplied. The first is from a man twentysevenyears old:—“God is quite real to me. I talk to him and often get answers.Thoughts sudden and distinct from any I have been entertainingcome to my mind after asking God for his direction. Somethingover a year ago I was for some weeks in the direst perplexity. Whenthe trouble first appeared before me I was dazed, but before long(two or three hours) I could hear distinctly a passage of Scripture:‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’ Every time my thoughts turned tothe trouble I could hear this quotation. I don’t think I ever doubtedthe existence of God, or had him drop out of my consciousness.God has frequently stepped into my affairs very perceptibly, and Ifeel that he directs many little details all the time. But on two orthree occasions he has ordered ways for me very contrary to myambitions and plans.”Another statement (none the less valuable psychologically for beingso decidedly childish) is that of a boy of seventeen:—70